Elizabeth NJ vs Sparks NV — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Elizabeth, NJ
New Jersey · Population: 135,887
- Median HH Income$63,874
- Median Home Price$531,592
- Unemployment6.9%
- Bachelor's+14.2%
Sparks, NV
Nevada · Population: N/A
- Median HH IncomeN/A
- Median Home Price$530,668
- UnemploymentN/A
- Bachelor's+N/A
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Elizabeth
135,887
Sparks
N/A
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Elizabeth
N/A
Sparks
N/A
Median Age
Elizabeth
35.8
Sparks
N/A
Foreign Born
Elizabeth
50.6%
Sparks
N/A
White
Elizabeth
24.8%
Sparks
N/A
Black
Elizabeth
17.1%
Sparks
N/A
Asian
Elizabeth
1.8%
Sparks
N/A
Hispanic
Elizabeth
66.8%
Sparks
N/A
Spanish at Home
Elizabeth
N/A
Sparks
N/A
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | N/A | - |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 35.8 | N/A | - |
| Foreign Born | 50.6% | N/A | - |
| White | 24.8% | N/A | - |
| Black | 17.1% | N/A | - |
| Asian | 1.8% | N/A | - |
| Hispanic | 66.8% | N/A | - |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Elizabeth
$63,874
Sparks
N/A
Per Capita Income
Elizabeth
$28,490
Sparks
N/A
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Elizabeth
$77,416
Elizabeth +
Sparks
$62,696
Unemployment Rate
Elizabeth
6.9%
Sparks
N/A
Poverty Rate
Elizabeth
15.3%
Sparks
N/A
Bachelor's Degree+
Elizabeth
14.2%
Sparks
N/A
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $63,874 | N/A | - |
| Per Capita Income | $28,490 | N/A | - |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $77,416 | $62,696 | Elizabeth + |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.9% | N/A | - |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% | N/A | - |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.2% | N/A | - |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Elizabeth
$531,592
Sparks
$530,668
Sparks +
Homeownership Rate
Elizabeth
25.4%
Sparks
N/A
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $531,592 | $530,668 | Sparks + |
| Homeownership Rate | 25.4% | N/A | - |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Elizabeth
218
Elizabeth +
Sparks
460
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Elizabeth
1426
Elizabeth +
Sparks
2417
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 218 | 460 | Elizabeth + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1426 | 2417 | Elizabeth + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Elizabeth
34.8%
Sparks
28.6%
Sparks +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Elizabeth
13.7%
Sparks
9.8%
Sparks +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Elizabeth
17.8%
Elizabeth +
Sparks
18.1%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Elizabeth
28.1%
Sparks
13.8%
Sparks +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Elizabeth
14.9%
Elizabeth +
Sparks
18.7%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Elizabeth
15.0%
Sparks
12.9%
Sparks +
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 34.8% | 28.6% | Sparks + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 13.7% | 9.8% | Sparks + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 17.8% | 18.1% | Elizabeth + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 28.1% | 13.8% | Sparks + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 14.9% | 18.7% | Elizabeth + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 15.0% | 12.9% | Sparks + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Elizabeth
N/A
Sparks
52.4°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Elizabeth
N/A
Sparks
8.3 in
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | N/A | 52.4°F | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | N/A | 8.3 in | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Elizabeth
8.7 µg/m³
Sparks
5.2 µg/m³
Sparks +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Elizabeth
75.0%
Sparks
75.0%
Tie
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 8.7 µg/m³ | 5.2 µg/m³ | Sparks + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 75.0% | 75.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Elizabeth
29.3 min
Sparks
N/A
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Sparks, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 29.3 min | N/A | - |
Which City is Right for You?
Sparks offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $530,668. On public safety, Elizabeth is safer with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, compared to 460 in Sparks. Sparks has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 5.2 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Sparks scores better with a lower obesity rate of 28.6%.
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